Multiple sclerosis (Smarty PANCE) Questions
WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
To what class of neurologic disease does MS belong?
Demyelinating disease
How common is MS?
It affects 5-30 persons per 100,000, being most common in temperate climates.
Approximately 65% of those with MS are Caucasian women
What is the age of onset for multiple sclerosis?
Usually between 20 and 40 years of age
What is the underlying etiology for multiple sclerosis?
The cause is unknown; however, several viral,
autoimmune and genetic factors have been implicated.
What are some of the most common presenting symptoms of MS?
Blurred vision with decreased acuity, double vision, paresthesias (numbness
and tingling) in the extremities, ataxia, fatigue, and focal motor symptoms
What imaging modality is most useful for diagnosing MS?
MRI of the brain and spinal cord, showing white matter lesions
, How often is the MRI abnormal in patients with MS?
In approximately 90% of patients with MS, MRI demonstrates multifocal areas
of demyelination, commonly in the periventricular white matter (Dawson's
fingers)
What is the role of lumbar puncture in diagnosing MS?
In approximately 90% of cases, the CSF contains oligoclonal bands unique to the
CSF (i.e., not found in blood) and an elevated IgG index. Myelin basic protein may
be present in acute demyelination.
What are oligoclonal bands?
Bands of immunoglobulins in the CSF indicative of inflammation in the CNS,
commonly seen in MS
What is the McDonald Criteria?
A standardized diagnostic criteria for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) that requires:
1. Demonstration of lesions disseminated in:
- Space (DIS): Lesions in multiple areas of CNS
- Time (DIT): New lesions over time
2. Based on a combination of:
WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
To what class of neurologic disease does MS belong?
Demyelinating disease
How common is MS?
It affects 5-30 persons per 100,000, being most common in temperate climates.
Approximately 65% of those with MS are Caucasian women
What is the age of onset for multiple sclerosis?
Usually between 20 and 40 years of age
What is the underlying etiology for multiple sclerosis?
The cause is unknown; however, several viral,
autoimmune and genetic factors have been implicated.
What are some of the most common presenting symptoms of MS?
Blurred vision with decreased acuity, double vision, paresthesias (numbness
and tingling) in the extremities, ataxia, fatigue, and focal motor symptoms
What imaging modality is most useful for diagnosing MS?
MRI of the brain and spinal cord, showing white matter lesions
, How often is the MRI abnormal in patients with MS?
In approximately 90% of patients with MS, MRI demonstrates multifocal areas
of demyelination, commonly in the periventricular white matter (Dawson's
fingers)
What is the role of lumbar puncture in diagnosing MS?
In approximately 90% of cases, the CSF contains oligoclonal bands unique to the
CSF (i.e., not found in blood) and an elevated IgG index. Myelin basic protein may
be present in acute demyelination.
What are oligoclonal bands?
Bands of immunoglobulins in the CSF indicative of inflammation in the CNS,
commonly seen in MS
What is the McDonald Criteria?
A standardized diagnostic criteria for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) that requires:
1. Demonstration of lesions disseminated in:
- Space (DIS): Lesions in multiple areas of CNS
- Time (DIT): New lesions over time
2. Based on a combination of:
